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Metabólicas y nutrición

Obesity

Excess body fat. It is the most common nutritional disorder and one of the most underestimated: it shortens life expectancy and worsens almost every other disease.

Moderate🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats🐰 Rabbits

Symptoms to watch for

  • • The ribs cannot be felt easily
  • • No visible "waist" when viewed from above
  • • Fat build-up on the abdomen and base of the tail
  • • Reduced activity and less interest in play
  • • Panting easily, exercise intolerance

Causes

Calorie intake higher than energy expenditure: oversized portions, treats and human leftovers, a sedentary lifestyle. Neutering slows the metabolism (the diet must be adjusted). Some hormonal diseases also cause weight gain.

Diagnosis

The vet assesses the body condition (BCS 1-9 scale) and weighs the animal, ruling out hormonal causes if appropriate.

Treatment

A supervised weight-loss plan: a specific diet with adjusted calories, weighing the ration (not estimating by eye), cutting back on treats, and gradually increasing activity. Weight loss should be slow and controlled.

Prevention

Weigh the daily ration, limit treats (maximum 10% of calories), daily exercise, adjust the diet after neutering, and check the weight every 1-2 months.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet for a plan if you cannot feel the ribs easily. Obesity shortens life and worsens the joints, heart, diabetes and breathing — treating it is one of the best things you can do.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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